Collect Experiences. Not Things. :')

June 29, 2014

My First Norwalk Apt

My first apartment in Norwalk was above a connivence store, bar/lounge, laundromat, and empty chinese food restaurant. Yes, that's my front door. The chickens belong to the neighbor. The view is from my back window. A penny saved is a penny earned. I'm so cheap.

I'd rather spend every cent earned on seeking adventures, traveling, having fun, than paying rent. Paying rent or a mortgage is boring.  In the end you own a home, but in the end you're also dead.

I did buy a house that I'm renovating, because I'm bored. But after the renovation it's completed, I expect to sell it. The house is locate on is the main road to the Norwalk beach and boat docks. The traffic is driving me crazy.  It's too noisy for my tastes. Plus I'd rather live in a larger city.

June 25, 2014

June 22, 2014

Brown University & Providence, RI

 Brown University
 Sam Shepard's "A Lie of Mind" Play
 University Mascot- Brown Bear 
 Pride Participants
 Lots of Great Restaurants
 Rhode Island Pride
 RISD

Shark Diving | Cuba | Gardens of the Queen

Shark Diving | Cuba | Gardens of the Queen | Scuba Diving  NEXT MARCH!!


June 19, 2014

Mt. Elbrus - Delayed

Well, I tried picking up my speed and milage this spring. Typically when this occurs the shin splints set in and they did.  I changed running shoes to newer ones with better cushions and continued to run, trying to ignoring the uncomfortable pain.

I have had shin splints numerous times before and they always go away, if you take it easy.  Well I didn't.  Now I have a stress fracture and it's extremely painful.  The doctor said I be crazy climbing Mt. Elbrus - highest mountain on the European Contingent. I thought about it. I probably could climb, except I'd have to carry a heavy pack on.  And it wouldn't be the accent that would be painful, but the impact on the leg/bone during the decent.  I delayed the trip to next year.

I purchased travel insurance, so my airfare could be re-emburst, with a doctor's note, which I had.  However, when I placed the claim, the insurance company said I need to cancel the flight first. Upon canceling the flight, Aeroflot (Russian Airline) refunded my entire ticket, except for $100 cancelation fee, which the insurance company will reimburse me. That was a surprise. My deposit with the climbing company can be transferred to next year.

Now I have to find somewhere less strenuous to travel this summer... not sure where.

June 07, 2014

Fun Times in Boston

JFK Library 
Portrait
State Building
Harvard Law School
African American History Museum
Boston Street
Leigh's House
John Harvard

June 01, 2014

Best Meal Ever - Pierre Gagnaire

Pierre Gagnaire - It was the most amazing eating experience I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing, especially the wine pairing with ever course. The wine steward enhanced the experience by describing what to expect from the wine - like salty or smoky. Each wine complementing the food course in which it was served.  More restaurants should offer this.

Another highlight was the oyster and cockles in a brown sauce with barley. The sweetbreads were incredible. I'll order them again, without a doubt, next time I have the chance. And the duck main course with the green cabbage puree sprinkled with crispy smoke duck skin bits rounded out the meal, prior to the dessert. Oh yeah, I can't for get the citrus butter!  The only partial fails were the dentex fish, it was a bit to strong to be paired with the shrimp in which it was served, and the aspic, just not a fan of aspic, especially after the incredible duck dish. The aspic should have been served as a starter, in my opinion.

The MENU!

Esprit Pierre Gagnaire
Spring /1/

Clear mullet jelly with maco artichoke; 
red tuna/eggplant/poivrades.
Rillette, grilled piquillos, granny smith apple and black garlic.

Royale of tarragon, green asparagus tips from the Alpilles region,
fresh broad beans, young leaks, pistes ; 
karashi/guava.
Carrot juice emulsified with olive oil.

Cocotte of morel mushrooms with a coffee/yellow wine sauce ;
paris mushrooms Abbé Nollet, cebette onions spiced with
madras curry.
Consommé of chicken thickened with parmesan cheese :
raw ham and figatellu from Corsica, Green mousseline,
peas ice-cream.
Boudeuses oysters and Rouge cockles, nettle shortbread
flavoured with arroche salad.

Dentex with salt, gambero rosso seared on the grill and
macerated in hollyberry brandy ;
bette ribs, cordifole salad and chicory.
The bisque…

Kernel of crunchy veal sweetbreads, date leaf flavoured with shiso ;
crispy daïkon turnip.
Agria potatoes craquottes.

Aiguillettes of duckling from Les Dombes, coeur de boeuf tomato
spred with preserved lemon paste, fresh ginger ;
tangy juice perfumed with épine-vinette.
Aspic.


Eiffel Tower

Descending the Eiffel Tower

Candles of Norte Dame Cathedral